Collector apparatus for ribboned balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus in various embodiments with an elongate slot or slit with opposing contacting faces for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet assembly, during the sequential process of inflating and tying individual balloons to ribbons. A method is disclosed of sequentially receiving in a balloon collector a ribboned inflated balloon for assembly of a balloon bouquet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for collecting together a plurality of ribboned balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The events services industry provides a wide range of products for parties, celebrations, and event gatherings including table settings, ornaments, center pieces, and other decorative appointments. Casual, party, and promotional events often include decorative balloons for ornamentation. The inflated balloons are used, for example, balloon arches (balloons positioned in a group for an arch), balloon drops (gathered inflated balloons held in an overhead net for release to persons below), balloon releases (gathered floatable balloons inflated with helium and held in a net for simultaneous release), and balloon bouquets having a plurality of helium inflated floating balloons (a number of balloons secured with elongated colorful ribbons to a weighted base).

Balloons inflated with helium float upwardly, and thus are typically secured with colorful elongated ribbons to a weight. The ribbon lengths may vary, such that a plurality of the balloons gathered together form a bunch of colorful balloons. Generally, the balloons are inflated and connected to the ribbon in a manual process. The ribbon is selected from various colors typically supplied as an elongated strand on a spool from which a length is unwound and cut to length. Assembly involves inflating one of the balloons with helium supplied through a gas supply nozzle connected to a helium cylinder, which gas supply nozzle inserts into a neck portion of the balloon. Upon inflating, the balloon is then knotted by tying a knot in the neck portion to prevent escape of the helium through the neck portion. One of several spools of ribbon is selected and a free end tied to the neck portion. The ribbon is pulled and cut to selected length to provide a knotted ribboned balloon. With the colorful elongated ribbon tied to the neck portion, the inflated knotted ribboned balloon floats upwardly to collect in a holding pen suspended or mounted to a ceiling. Holding pens typically have grid-like or fence walls that restrict lateral movement of the balloons from the holding pen. The ribbons hang downwardly, and a balloon bouquet may be assembled by gathering a plurality of the balloons from the holding pen and attaching the distal free ends of the ribbons to a weight.

While such assembly and collecting of knotted ribboned balloons provides balloons that may be selected and gathered together for a balloon bouquet, there remains a need for an improved inexpensive readily used apparatus for collecting, such as during inflation and assembly of ribboned balloons, a plurality of ribboned balloons for assembly together as a balloon bouquet. It is to such that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the need in the art by providing a collector apparatus with an elongate slot with opposing contacting faces for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet assembly, during the sequential process of inflating and tying individual balloons to ribbons. A method is disclosed of sequentially receiving in a balloon collector a ribboned inflated balloon for assembly of a balloon bouquet.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a collector apparatus for holding a plurality of ribbons attached to a respective inflated balloon for forming a balloon bouquet, comprising a planar member having a length and a width and a thickness that is a significant minority of the length and an edge portion, and a slot extending from an edge inwardly a predetermined distance, the edge defining an opening in the edge, and the slot having contacting opposing faces. A ribbon being attached to an inflated balloon slides through the opening and along the slot with the contacting opposing faces frictionally engaging the ribbon to restrain the ribboned inflated balloon to the collector apparatus for forming a balloon bouquet.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a carton for holding a helium tank configured for inflating a plurality of balloons for a balloon bouquet. The carton comprises a blank having a plurality of side walls defined by spaced scores to define a folded container, a plurality of top flaps and opposing bottom flaps foldable on respective scores for closing the top and bottom of the folded container. A slot defined in the blank extending from an opening therein to a distal extent with contacting opposing side faces, for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a balloon bouquet holder, comprising a sheet having a medial score that defines a pair of opposing panels and a pair of lateral scores each spaced from the medial score on a respective opposing side of the medial score to define a foot foldable on the lateral score relative to the panel. The opposing panels define a notch centered laterally on the medial score, and a pair of slots or narrow clean-cut slits with each extending through the sheet on a line in the panels from an edge of the notch through the respective panel to a distal extent. An adhesive on a backside of each foot for attaching the foot to a support, whereby a sheet being folded on the medial score to bring the opposing panels together for attaching to a support with the adhesive of each foot folded outwardly relative to the panels, for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon through the notch into the slit for holding with other inflated balloons for a balloon bouquet.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a carton for holding a helium tank and having a balloon bouquet holder, comprising a blank having a plurality of side walls defined by spaced scores and folded thereon to form a tubular container, with a bottom and a top for the container. A balloon bouquet holder comprising a notch open at an upper edge of one of the side walls and a slot extending from an edge of the notch to a distal extent in the side wall, whereby the slot receives one or more ribbon of a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet.

Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates in a perspective view a first embodiment of a ribboned balloon collector for assembly of a balloon bouquet.

FIG. 2 illustrates in a perspective view an alternate embodiment of the ribboned balloon collector shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the ribboned balloon collector shown in FIG. 1 for attachment, and attached, to a cylinder tank holding a supply of helium gas for inflating balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet during a process of inflating balloons and knotting with a ribbon.

FIG. 4 illustrates in a perspective view a container holding a supply tank of helium and in combination incorporating a ribboned balloon collector for assembly of a balloon bouquet having a plurality of inflated ribboned balloons.

FIG. 5 illustrates in a perspective view the container illustrated in FIG. 4 holding plurality of inflated ribboned balloons with the ribboned balloon collector incorporated with the container enclosing the supply tank of helium for inflating balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet.

FIG. 6 illustrates in a perspective view a container for holding a supply tank of helium and in combination incorporating a ribboned balloon collector for assembly of a balloon bouquet having a plurality of inflated ribboned balloons.

FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective view a balloon bouquet holder according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates in top plan view a blank of a sheet material for forming the balloon bouquet holder illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the blank while being folded to form the balloon bouquet holder illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates in perspective view a container for holding a supply tank of helium gas for use in inflating a plurality of balloons and incorporating a collector for holding ribbons of inflated balloons for assembling a balloon bouquet.

FIG. 11 illustrates in detailed perspective view the ribbon collector in an edge portion of a sidewall of the container illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates in detailed perspective view a notch in an upper edge of a side wall of the container illustrated in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an apparatus in various illustrative embodiments for receiving and holding sequentially a plurality of inflated balloons tied to respective ribbons for assembly of a balloon bouquet. The apparatus comprises a base member that defines an elongate slot with opposing contacting faces for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet assembly, during the sequential process of inflating and tying individual balloons to ribbons, and means provided for securing the base to a support surface.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of sequentially receiving in a balloon collector a ribboned inflated balloon for assembly of a balloon bouquet, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a base member that defines an elongate slot with opposing contacting faces for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet assembly, during the sequential process of inflating and tying individual balloons to ribbons;

(b) securing the base member to a support surface;

(c) sequentially inflating a balloon and tying the inflated balloon to an elongated ribbon; and

(d) inserting a portion of the elongated ribbon though an opening of the slot and longitudinally along the opposing contacting faces for holding the inflated ribboned balloon thereby for assembly of a plurality of inflated balloon for a balloon bouquet.

Selectively Attachable Ribboned Balloon Collector

With reference to the drawings, in which like parts have like reference numerals, FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view a first embodiment of a ribboned balloon collector 10 for assembly of a balloon bouquet 70 having a plurality of inflated ribboned balloons 72 knotted to respective balloon ribbons 74. The collector 10 comprises a sheet 12 having a length, a width, and a thickness that is less than the length, such as for example, the thickness less than a minority of the length such as for example less than about 5% of the length. The sheet 12 may be made of plastic, fiberboard, cardboard, or like material, and is stiff yet flexible.

The sheet 12 in the illustrated embodiment includes an attacher device 11 for attaching the sheet to a support surface, as discussed below. The attacher device 11 in the illustrated embodiment comprise a pair of spaced-apart adhesive pads 14. The pads 14 seat on an edge portion 18 of the sheet 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge portion 18 is defined by a score or fold line 19 for folding the side edge portion 18 at an angle to facilitate attachment and use of the collector 10, as discussed below. The pads 14 include an adhesive surface 16. A cover sheet or cover film 20 overlies the adhesive surface 16 and readily detaches to expose the adhesive surface 16. The adhesive pad 14 preferably is a double-sided adhesive tape with adhesive surfaces on opposing sides of a narrow elongated film, strip, or carrier material, which one adhesive surface 16 is covered with the detachable cover film 20. An opposing first side of the pad 14 adhesively attaches to the edge portion 18 of the sheet 12 and the cover film 20 is disposed outwardly of the sheet. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the attacher device 11 is an elongated strip of a double-sided adhesive tape having the adhesive surface 16 and cover film 20.

The sheet 12 defines at least one elongated slot 21 extending as a passage from an opening 22 in a side edge inwardly to a distal extent 24 with opposing facing sides 26, 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the side edge defines a notch or V-cutout 29 and the slot 21 extends from an apex of the cutout 29 to the distal extent of the slot. The slot 21 may be a thin cut line or slit such as with a cut-line and touching opposing faces or edges, or may taper from a first gap at the opening 22 in the edge to a second gap proximate the distal extent 24 smaller than the first gap. Two or more slots 21 may be disposed in spaced relation in the sheet 12. For example, alternatively, opposing slots 21 may be defined extending from respective opposing sides and laterally spaced apart relative to each other. In an alternate embodiment, the slot 21 is disposed at an angle on a side edge of the sheet 12. The slot 21 defines a narrow gap between opposing sides for receiving a portion of a ribbon tied to an inflated knotted balloon. The opposing side edges defined by the slot 21 preferably contact in slightly touching relation for holding the ribbon during inflating and tying of balloons sequentially for assembly of a balloon bouquet. The slot 21 selectively, and alternatively sequentially one at a time, receives and holds a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons tied with a knot to a ribbon, for collecting as a group for a balloon bouquet. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the score line 19 is along a line parallel to the slot 21, but may, in alternate embodiment, be scored on a line perpendicular to the slot and spaced from an inward distal end of the slot.

FIG. 2 illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment of the ribboned balloon collector shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the slot 21 defines a tapering slot. The slot 21 narrowingly tapers from an opening in the side edge to the distal extent. The opposing sides 26, 28 of the slot receive resilient elongated members 34 that seat on the opposing sides in opposing relation. The resilient members 34 are elongated longitudinally bulbular strands, such as a rubber or pliable thermoplastic member. The resilient members attach with an adhesive to the respective sides 26, 28 in opposing relation. The resilient members 34 touchingly contact and define a flexible passing slot 38 from the open end in the edge of the balloon collector. The passing slot 38 receives a portion of a ribbon of a knotted ribboned balloon. The resilient members 34 bearing against the ribbon hold the knotted ribboned balloon to the collector 10. The passing slot 38 receives additional knotted balloons, such as may be inflated and assembled with balloon ribbons during a bouquet assembly process, for collecting as a group for a balloon bouquet.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, the collector 10 readily deploys in attachment of the adhesive pads 14 to a support structure such as but not limited to a work bench, shelving, table edge, helium tank 40, overhead piping, a side wall, or other secure device proximate a balloon inflation and collection process. This is accomplished in reference to FIG. 3A by folding the foldable portion 18 on the score line 19, and with reference to FIG. 3B, removing the cover film 20 from covering closure of the adhesive surface. This exposes the adhesive surface 16. The collector 10 then secures to a selected support structure by adhesively engaging the band 14 to the support structure, such as a side wall of the helium tank 40, as shown in FIG. 3C. The planar member 12 extends at an angle from the support surface for providing access to the slot 21 for receiving inflated ribboned balloons.

The balloon inflation process then inflates a balloon with helium gas and the neck end of the balloon is knotted and tied to an elongated balloon ribbon. My U.S. Pat. No. 10,549,208 discloses a portable balloon tying device with particular structural features that facilitate comfortable and readily knotting the neck of an inflated balloon with a ribbon. The balloon ribbon 74, being cut to length, may then be attached to the collector 10 for grouping the inflated balloon with others for the balloon bouquet. The slot 21 of the collector 10 receives a portion of the balloon ribbon through the opening and longitudinally along the gap between the opposing sides of the slot. The opposing side walls of the slot 21 hold the balloon ribbon, while the balloon rises above the collector 10 as shown in FIG. 3D, for gathering in a collection with prior inflated balloons subsequent to inflating, knotting, and tying other balloons to respective balloon ribbons. Upon collecting sufficient balloons for the balloon bouquet, the collected ribbons are grasped, and removed from the slot 21. The ribbons preferably are tied to weight device, or otherwise secured together and weighted to restrict fly-away of the balloon bouquet.

The alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2 similarly attaches with the adhesive band 14 to a selected support structure for collection of inflated knotted and ribboned balloons for a balloon bouquet. The resilient members 34 in touching contact define a flexible passing slot 38 for receiving the ribbons of the inflated balloons to be collected as a balloon bouquet.

The disclosed collector 10 apparatus provides for holding a plurality of ribbons attached to a respective inflated balloon for forming a balloon bouquet, with a planar member having a length and a width and a thickness that is a significant minority of the length and an edge portion, and a slot extending from an edge inwardly a predetermined distance, the edge defining an opening in the edge, and the slot having contacting opposing faces. A ribbon being attached to an inflated balloon slides through the opening and along the slot with the contacting opposing faces frictionally engaging the ribbon to restrain the ribboned inflated balloon to the collector apparatus for forming a balloon bouquet.

Container with Ribboned Balloon Collector

The sheet 12 with the slot 21 may gainfully be a component of a container useful in the balloon trade for holding a supply tank of helium gas, to conveniently locate the balloon collector proximate the tank supplying helium for inflating balloons. FIG. 4 illustrates in perspective view a container 60 configured for holding a supply tank 62 of helium gas for use in inflating a plurality of balloons and in combination incorporating a ribboned balloon collector 63 for holding ribbons attached by knotting to an inflated balloon for assembly of a balloon bouquet with the inflated ribboned balloons. The container 60 in the illustrated embodiment is an elongated tubular body such as a regular slotted container. The container 60 forms from a paperboard blank having a plurality of panels separated by scores on which the blank folds to define a plurality of side walls 64. The blank includes a side flap extending from an edge of the blank at one end. The tubular container is formed by folding the blank on the scores and overlapping, and attaching, the side flap with an opposing end of the blank. The container includes a plurality of bottom flaps 66 and top flaps 68, for closing the container 60.

The container body defines a tear strip 70 extending laterally across three of the side walls 64. The blank defines the tear strip 70 with spaced perforations intermediate an upper top end and a medial portion of the container 60. The tear strip 70, upon detaching removal from the side walls, defines a top 72 in an upper portion of the container, which tear strip defines an exposed edge 73. The removal of the tear strip 70 forms a hinge 75 in a fourth side wall 64 on which the top 72 pivots open and closed. Pivoting the top 72 open exposes the tank 62 for use in inflating balloons. The tank 62 conventionally includes a handle 74 extending upwardly from the wall of the gas cylinder 62 and an upper end of the gas cylinder includes a valve 78 that connects to an inflation nozzle 80. The inflation nozzle 80 conventionally receives a neck portion of a balloon for communicating helium gas from the tank 62 into the balloon for inflation. The valve 78 opens for communicating a portion of the helium gas from the tank 62 through the nozzle 80 into the balloon.

As noted above, the tear strip 70 forms the edge 73. In a first embodiment, the collector 63 a comprises a slot 82 formed in at least one of the scores that separate adjacent two of the panels for the side walls 64. The slot 82 is a cut line in the paperboard that extends longitudinally from the edge 73 a selected length and has opposing side edges. The side edges are proximate and touchingly contact. The slot 82 slidingly receives a portion of a balloon ribbon knotted to the neck portion of an inflated balloon. A plurality of ribboned inflated balloons readily collect in the slot 82 for a balloon bouquet.

In a second embodiment, the collector 63 b comprises at least one slot 86 formed substantially parallel to and spaced from the edge 73 in the paperboard blank. The slot 86 thereby extends from one panel across the fold score and into the adjacent panel. The side edges of the slot 86 are proximate and touchingly contact. The slot 86 slidingly receives a portion of a balloon ribbon knotted to the neck portion of an inflated balloon. The portion of the ribbon enters the slot 86 at the fold score and being pulled, is received in the opposing portions of the slot 86 in the adjacent panels. A plurality of ribboned inflated balloons readily collect in the slot 86 for a balloon bouquet.

FIG. 5 illustrates in perspective view the container 60 illustrated in FIG. 4 opened after removal of the tear strip 70 and holding a plurality of inflated ribboned balloons with the ribboned balloon collector 63 incorporated with the container enclosing the supply tank 62 of helium for inflating balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet.

The foregoing discloses the planar member 12 and slot 21 as a component of the container 60 or carton for holding the helium tank configured for inflating a plurality of balloons for the balloon bouquet. The carton comprises the blank having the plurality of side walls defined by spaced scores to define the folded container, with the top flaps and opposing bottom flaps foldable for closing the top and bottom of the folded container. The slot defined in the blank extends from the opening therein to the distal extent with contacting opposing side faces, for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet.

Container with Ribboned Balloon Collector

FIG. 6 illustrates in perspective view a carton or container 90 for holding the supply tank 62 of helium gas as an alternate embodiment of the container 60 illustrated in FIG. 4, and in combination incorporating a ribboned balloon collector 92 for holding ribbons attached by knotting to an inflated balloon for assembly of a balloon bouquet with the inflated ribboned balloons. The container 90 in the illustrated embodiment is preferably the elongated tubular body regular slotted container 60 discussed above but with a different ribboned balloon collector 92. In this embodiment, one of the flaps 68 for closing the container defines a notch 94 and an inwardly extending slot 96. The notch 94 and slot 96 are illustrated intermediate opposing sides of the flap 68 and preferably medial thereto. The notch 94 guides the passage of the ribbon 74 of the knotted ribboned balloon 72 inwardly into the slot 96 after the knotting processing of the inflated balloon. An alternate embodiment however includes only the inwardly extending slot 96 for holding the ribboned balloon 72.

The slot 96 slidingly receives a portion of the balloon ribbon 74 knotted to the neck portion of the inflated balloon 72. The portion of the ribbon guided by the notch 94 enters the slot 96 and being pulled longitudinally therealong towards the inward distal end of the slot, is received between the opposing portions of the slot 96 for holding during knotting of other inflated balloons with ribbons for readily collecting in the slot 96 for a balloon bouquet.

Balloon Bouquet Holder Foldable from a Blank and Attachable to a Support

FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective view a balloon bouquet holder 100 according to the present invention for holding a plurality of balloons (not to scale) attached to elongated ribbons for collecting during assembly of a balloon bouquet. The balloon bouquet holder 100 includes opposing balloon collection panels 102 each with a foot 104 that folds outwardly relative to the panel. An adhesive attaches to a backside of each foot 104 for securing the balloon bouquet holder 100 to a support 106 for use of the holder in collecting and holding a plurality of balloon ribbons when assembling a bouquet of a plurality of inflated balloons. The support 106 may be a helium tank, a table, or other support.

The illustrated embodiment uses an elongated double-sided tape 108 as a carrier for the adhesive. The tape 108 has a first adhesive face that engages the backside of the respective foot 104. The tape includes a detachable sheet 110 depicted as partially detached but that covers an opposing second adhesive face 112. The second adhesive face 112 is uncovered for adhesive attaching of the balloon bouquet holder 100 to the support 106 by removing the detachable sheet 110.

A distal edge 116 of the opposing balloon collection panels 102 includes a notch 120 extending inwardly to an opening of a slot or a clean-cut slit 122. The slit 122 extends from the edge of the notch 120 inwardly in the balloon collection panel 102 to a distal extent. The illustrated embodiment forms three spaced-apart notches 120 each with a respective slit 122. An alternate embodiment positions a notch in an upper edge with a slit extending downwardly as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3D. Yet another embodiment includes a notch in the upper edge and one or more notches on the distal edge, each with extending slits.

FIG. 8 illustrates in top plan view a blank 130 of a sheet material for forming the balloon bouquet holder 100. The blank 130 may be, for example, a card stock, a corrugated paperboard, or other foldable sheet material. The blank 130 includes a central score 136 in a back surface medial opposing edges and a pair of opposing scores 132 in an upper surface and laterally spaced on opposing sides of the medial score. The score 136 divides the blank 100 into the opposing balloon collection panels 102 and respective foot. The score 136 may be on both the front and back surfaces to facilitate folding together of the opposing balloon collection panels 102. Each score 132 defines a fold line that separates the foot 104 from the respective balloon collection panel 102. With reference to FIG. 7, each foot 104 folds upwardly on the score 132 towards the balloon collection panel 102 while the balloon collection panels fold together on the score 136. Alternatively, the scores 132, 136 may be spaced-apart perforations through the blank 130.

In the illustrated embodiment, the notch 120 results from detaching a removable portion 138 of the blank 130 for use of the balloon bouquet holder 100 as discussed below. A cut line 140 defines the removable portion 138. The cut line 140 extends through the blank 130 from a pair of opposing connections 142 on the score 136. The connections 142 retain the removable portion 138 until detachably removed for use of the blank 130 folded as the balloon bouquet holder 100. The cut line 140 preferably has a smooth edge surface for slidingly receiving a ribbon of a balloon as discussed below. The slits 122 in the opposing balloon collection panel 102 extend on a line from the cut line to a respective distal extent. In the illustrated embodiment, the slits 122 extend towards a respective foot side of the panel.

The removable portion 138 is preferably centered on the medial score 136 to have mirror image portions of the notch 120 in each of the balloon collection panels 102 when folded together on the score 136. The removable portion 138 in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a square oriented on a transverse axis to position an apex 144 remote from the score 136. The removable portion 138 may have other shapes, such as arcuate, for defining a ribbon sliding edge. The slit 122 in the illustrated embodiment extends from the apex 144 to the distal extent.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the blank 130 while being folded to form the balloon bouquet holder 100. Each foot 106 is folded on the respective score 132, and the detachable sheet 110 removed to uncover the second adhesive face 112. The blank 100 is then folded on the score 136 to bring the opposing back surfaces of the balloon collection panels 102 together as indicated by the arrow 145. This aligns the cut lines 140 in the opposing panel 102 and aligns the slits 122. While holding the opposing panels 102 together, the balloon bouquet holder 100 then is attached to the support 106 by engaging the second adhesive face 112 with surface of the support.

In an alternate embodiment, the opposing panels 102 are first joined together by a bonding adhesive. Such embodiment enables one or more of the folded balloon bouquet holders 100 to be packaged for shipping to an end user. The end user removes the detachable sheet 110, folds each foot 104, and presses the balloon bouquet holder 100 towards the support for engagement by the second adhesive face 112.

The removable portion 138 defining the notch 120 is detached. An end user grasps the removable portion 138, such as between a finger and thumb. The removable portion 138 is twisted and pulled to detach from the connections 142 to the blank 130.

With the balloon bouquet holder 100 attached to the support 106 as shown in FIG. 6, the balloon collection panels 102 extend outwardly with the distal edge 116 remote from the support and the notch(es) 120 open. During assembly of a balloon bouquet, a balloon is inflated, knotted, and attached to elongated ribbons. My U.S. Pat. No. 10,549,208 discloses a hand-held portable balloon tying device with features to facilitate holding and using the device for knotting inflated balloons with elongated ribbon. The ribbon may then be inserted into the notch 120 and directly or by sliding on the cut edge entered into the slits 122. The opposing edges of the slits 122 holdingly engage the ribbon for collection with other ribboned inflated balloons while the balloon bouquet is prepared. Securing the inflated balloons by holding the ribbons in the slits 122 restrains the balloons from floating to ceilings or upper surfaces of inflated balloon holding devices. The ribbons of the balloons are closely grouped in the slits 122, and are readily grasped as a group, retracted from the slits 122 and outwardly of the balloon bouquet holder 100 for tying together, for example, to a weight to hold the balloon bouquet.

In an alternate embodiment, the removable portion 138 is not centered on the medial score 136 but is offset. Upon folding of the blank 130 on the medial score, the cut edges of the removable portion 138 are spaced offset, and the slits 122 are likewise offset. The offset of the slits 122 provides a slight change in direction of the ribbon passing from one side of the balloon bouquet holder, through the first slit to and through the second slit, and outwardly of the opposing side, which it is contemplated increases the gripping of the ribbon received in the slits 122.

It is not necessary that the opposing balloon panels 102 when folded as shown in FIG. 9 abut in contacting relation. The balloon bouquet holder 100 may attach to the support 106 with the adhesive-backed feet spaced-apart while the opposing balloon collection panels 102 are folded at an angle relative to each other. The attached balloon bouquet holder 100 in such application extends in a V-shape from the support with the apex of the distal extent 116 outwardly from the support 106 and each foot 104 attached to the support in spaced-apart relation.

The foregoing describes a balloon bouquet holder, comprising a sheet having a medial score that defines a pair of opposing panels and a pair of lateral scores each spaced from the medial score on a respective opposing side of the medial score to define a foot foldable on the lateral score relative to the panel; a removable portion of the panels centered on the medial score defined by a cut line extending between a pair of opposing connectors of the sheet; a pair of slits each extending on a line from a respective portion of the cut line on opposing sides of the medial score through the respective panel to a distal extent; and an adhesive on a backside of each foot for attaching the foot to a support, whereby a notch being formed by detaching the removable portion of the panels upon folding on the medial score to bring the opposing panels together for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon into the slits for collecting with other inflated balloons for a balloon bouquet.

Further, the foregoing describes a balloon bouquet holder, comprising a sheet having a medial score that defines a pair of opposing panels and a pair of lateral scores each spaced from the medial score on a respective opposing side of the medial score to define a foot foldable on the lateral score relative to the panel; a notch defined in the opposing panels centered laterally on the medial score; a pair of slits each extending through the sheet on a line in the panels from an edge of the notch through the respective panel to a distal extent; and an adhesive on a backside of each foot for attaching the foot to a support, whereby a sheet being folded on the medial score to bring the opposing panels together for attaching to a support with the adhesive of each foot folded outwardly relative to the panels, for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon through the notch into the slit for holding with other inflated balloons for a balloon bouquet.

The balloon bouquet holder as recited above, wherein the notch is defined by a cut line to form a removable portion of the sheet.

The balloon bouquet holder as recited above, wherein the cut line extends between a pair of opposing connectors of the sheet to detachably connect the removable portion to the sheet.

The foregoing describes a balloon bouquet holder, comprising a sheet blank having a medial score in a surface separating a pair of opposing collection panels that fold together on the medial score to define a free distal edge and each panel having a notch therein from which an elongate through slit extends to a distal extent and aligned with the opposing notch and through slit for receiving in the notches and the aligned slits of the folded together panels a one or more ribbon of a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons, said collection panels each having a side portion foldable on a respective score as a foot with an adhesive on a backside thereof for attaching to a support, whereby the aligned slits for receivingly holding ribbons of ribboned inflated balloons during assembly of a balloon bouquet.

Container with Ribboned Balloon Collector

The notch and slit structure disclosed above may readily be incorporated in a regular slotted carton suitable for packing, storing, and shipping a supply tank of helium provided in the commercial marketplace, particularly for party, meeting, and entertainment events, to conveniently locate the balloon collector proximate the tank supplying helium for inflating balloons. FIG. 10 illustrates in perspective view a container 160 configured for holding a supply tank 162 of helium gas for use in inflating a plurality of balloons and incorporating a ribboned balloon collector 163 for holding ribbons attached by knotting to an inflated balloon for assembly of a balloon bouquet with the inflated ribboned balloons.

The container 160 in the illustrated embodiment is an elongated tubular body such as a regular slotted container. The container 160 forms from a paperboard blank having a plurality of panels 164 separated by scores 165 on which the blank folds to define a plurality of side walls. A side flap conventional in regular slotted containers extends from an edge of the blank at one end. The tubular container is formed by folding the blank on the scores and overlapping, and attaching, the side flap with an opposing end of the blank. The opposing upper and lower edges of the panels have opposing scores 167 to define foldable top flaps 168 and opposing bottom flaps 166, for closing the container 160. The bottom flaps 166 are illustrated outwardly but fold inwardly to define the closing bottom for the container and supporting the supply tank 162.

As illustrated in detailed perspective view in FIG. 11, the balloon collector 163 comprises a removable portion 170 of the blank. The removable portion 170 is preferably centered on the score 167 to have mirror image portions in each of the top flap 168 and the side panel 164. A cut line 172 defines the removable portion 168. The cut line 172 extends through the blank between a pair of opposing connections 174 on the score. The connections 174 retain the removable portion 170 until detachably removed for use of the balloon collector 163 discussed below. The cut line 172 preferably has a smooth edge surface for slidingly receiving a ribbon of a balloon as discussed below. A slit 176 extends from the cut line 172 to a respective distal extent in each of the top flap and side panel. The removable portion 170 in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a square oriented on a transverse axis to position a respective apex 178 remote from the score. The removable portion 170 may have other shapes, such as arcuate, for defining a ribbon sliding edge of a notch. In the illustrated embodiment, the slit 176 extends from the respective apex 178 to the distal extent. As indicated by arrow 180, the top flap 168 folds on the score 1667 inwardly against an inner wall of the panel 164 after opening the container 160 for use of the supply tank 162 for inflating balloons.

FIG. 12 illustrates in detailed perspective view a notch 182 for receiving balloon ribbons formed in the upper edge of the panel 164 by folding the top flap 168 (shown in broken line) inwardly (arrow 180) and against the inner wall of the panel and removing the removable portion 170. The removable portion 170 is detached from the container 160 by the end user prior to use. The end user grasps the removable portion 170, such as between a finger and thumb. The removable portion 170 is twisted and pulled to detach from the connections 174 to the blank. The notch 182 in the illustrated embodiment forms a V-shape in the upper edge of the container 160 and the slit 176 extends from an apex downwardly the distal extent.

The removable portion 170 is preferably centered on the score 167 to have mirror image portions of the notch in the top flap 168 and the side panel 164 when folded together on the score.

Opening the top flaps 168 exposes the tank 62 for use in inflating balloons. As shown in FIG. 10, the tank 62 conventionally includes the handle 74 extending upwardly from the wall of the gas cylinder 62 and an upper end of the gas cylinder includes a valve 78 that connects to an inflation nozzle 80. The inflation nozzle 80 conventionally receives the neck portion of the balloon for communicating helium gas from the tank 62 into the balloon for inflation. The valve 78 opens for communicating a portion of the helium gas from the tank 62 through the nozzle 80 into the balloon. The slit 176 slidingly receives a portion of a balloon ribbon knotted to the neck portion of the inflated balloon. A plurality of ribboned inflated balloons readily collect in the slot 176 for a balloon bouquet.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the top flap 168 folds on the score 167 inwardly as shown by arrow 180 and against the inner wall of the side panel 164. This aligns the opposing portions of the removable portion 170. The end user then grasps the removable portion 170, and by twisting and pulling, removes the removable portion from the connections 174 to the blank. The notch 182 in the illustrated embodiment forms a V-shape in the upper edge of the container 160 and the aligned slits 176 in the opposing top flap and side panel extend from respective edges of the notch downwardly to the distal extent. The notch 182 readily receives ribbons of inflated balloons, which ribbons directly or guided by the edges of the notch 182, enter the slits 176. The edges of the slits 176 grippingly engage the ribbons for collecting a plurality for a balloon bouquet. The removable portion 170 in an alternate embodiment has arcuate or curved cut lines to define a curved notch.

The foregoing discloses the planar members of the top flap and side wall configured with the notch and extending slit as a component of the container 160 for holding the helium tank configured for inflating the plurality of balloons for the balloon bouquet, which inflated balloons are held collectingly in the slit. The carton comprises the blank having the plurality of side walls defined by spaced scores to define the folded container, with the top flaps and opposing bottom flaps foldable for closing the top and bottom of the folded container. The slit defined in the blank extends from notch opening therein to the distal extent with contacting opposing side faces, for receiving the ribbons of the inflated balloons for collecting together as a balloon bouquet.

The foregoing discloses illustrative embodiments of the construction and use of balloon collectors for holding ribbons of a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet which balloon collectors readily attach to a support proximate a balloon inflation and knotting station for use during assembly of balloons for a balloon bouquet. The collector apparatus comprises a base member that defines an elongate slot with opposing contacting faces for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet assembly, during the sequential process of inflating and tying individual balloons to ribbons, and means provided for securing the base to a support surface. The inflation process practices a method of sequentially receiving in a balloon collector a ribboned inflated balloon for assembly of a balloon bouquet, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a base member that defines an elongate slot with opposing contacting faces for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet assembly, during the sequential process of inflating and tying individual balloons to ribbons;

(b) securing the base member to a support surface;

(c) sequentially inflating a balloon and tying the inflated balloon to an elongated ribbon; and

(d) inserting a portion of the elongated ribbon though an opening of the slot and longitudinally along the opposing contacting faces for holding the inflated ribboned balloon thereby for assembly of a plurality of inflated balloon for a balloon bouquet.

It is to be appreciated that while invention has been described with particular reference to certain illustrative embodiments, variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collector apparatus for holding a plurality of ribbons attached to a respective inflated balloon for forming a balloon bouquet, comprising a planar member having a length and a width and a thickness that is a significant minority of the length and an edge portion, and a slot extending from an edge inwardly a predetermined distance, the edge defining an opening in the edge, and the slot having contacting opposing faces, whereby a ribbon being attached to an inflated balloon slides through the opening and along the slot with the contacting opposing faces frictionally engaging the ribbon to restrain the ribboned inflated balloon to the collector apparatus for forming a balloon bouquet.
 2. The collector apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising an adhesive patch attached to a surface of the planar member and covered with a detachable sheet, whereby upon removal of the detachable sheet and exposing the adhesive patch, the planar member secures to a support surface by contact of the adhesive patch therewith.
 3. The collector apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the planar member defines a score to define a foldable portion and the adhesive patch attaches to the foldable portion, whereby the foldable portion folds at an angle on the score for attaching the collector apparatus to the support surface with the planar member disposed at an angle relative to the support surface.
 4. The collector apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the adhesive patch is an elongated double-sided adhesive surface tape having the detachable sheet on a first side and the adhesive surface of the opposing second side attaching the tape to the planar member.
 5. The collector apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the planar member is a flap of a regular slotted carton for holding a tank of an inflation gas for inflating balloons during assembly of a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons for the balloon bouquet.
 6. The collector apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the planar member is a side wall of a regular slotted carton for holding a tank of an inflation gas for inflating balloons during assembly of a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons for the balloon bouquet.
 7. The collector apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the planar member defines a score on which the planar member folds to define adjacent side walls of a regular slotted carton for holding a tank of an inflation gas for inflating balloons during assembly of a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons for the balloon bouquet, the slot formed along the score.
 8. The collector apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the opening in the edge of the planar member defines in a portion of the slot diverging opposing edges for receiving the ribbon therein for passage along the slot.
 9. The collector apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the opposing edges of the slot receive elongated resilient members for a contacting gap therebetween for receiving a portion of a balloon ribbon therein.
 10. A carton for holding a helium tank configured for inflating a plurality of balloons for a balloon bouquet, comprising: a blank having a plurality of side walls defined by spaced scores to define a folded container, a plurality of top flaps and opposing bottom flaps foldable on respective scores for closing the top and bottom of the folded container; and a slot defined in the blank and extending from an opening therein to a distal extent with contacting opposing side faces, for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet.
 11. The carton as recited in claim 10, further comprising a tear strip defined in the blank for detaching to form an edge in an intermediate portion of the folded container and form in situ a hinge on which a portion of the folded container opens, the slot defined to open in the edge and extending therefrom in the side wall of the folded container.
 12. The carton as recited in claim 10, further comprising a tear strip defined in the blank for detaching to form an edge in an intermediate portion of the folded container and form in situ a hinge on which a portion of the folded container opens, the slot defined to open in the edge and extending therefrom in one of the scores that define the side walls of the folded container.
 13. The carton as recited in claim 10, wherein the slot extends across one of the scores that define the plurality of side panels with opposing distal ends in adjacent side panels, the opening formed in the score that defines a corner edge of the folded container.
 14. The carton as recited in claim 10, wherein the slot extends from one of the scores for a respective one of the top flaps; and further comprising a second slot extending from the one of the scores aligned with the slot and extending in the side wall from which the one of the top flaps is foldably joined, whereby the top flap being folded inwardly against an interior surface of the side wall defines a opening in an edge of the side wall to the aligned slots for receiving a ribbon of an inflated ribboned balloons for collecting a balloon bouquet.
 15. A method of sequentially receiving in a balloon collector a ribboned inflated balloon for assembly of a balloon bouquet, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a base member that defines an elongate slot with opposing contacting faces for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon therein for collecting as a balloon bouquet assembly, during the sequential process of inflating and tying individual balloons to ribbons; (b) securing the base member to a support surface; (c) sequentially inflating a balloon and tying the inflated balloon to an elongated ribbon; and (d) inserting a portion of the elongated ribbon though an opening of the slot and longitudinally along the opposing contacting faces for holding the inflated ribboned balloon thereby for assembly of a plurality of inflated balloon for a balloon bouquet.
 16. A balloon bouquet holder, comprising: a sheet having a medial score that defines a pair of opposing panels and a pair of lateral scores each spaced from the medial score on a respective opposing side of the medial score to define a foot foldable on the lateral score relative to the panel; a notch defined in the opposing panels centered laterally on the medial score; a pair of slits each extending through the sheet on a line in the panels from an edge of the notch through the respective panel to a distal extent; and an adhesive on a backside of each foot for attaching the foot to a support, whereby a sheet being folded on the medial score to bring the opposing panels together for attaching to a support with the adhesive of each foot folded outwardly relative to the panels, for receiving a ribbon of an inflated balloon through the notch into the slit for holding with other inflated balloons for a balloon bouquet.
 17. The balloon bouquet holder as recited in claim 16, wherein the notch is defined by a cut line to form a removable portion of the sheet.
 18. The balloon bouquet holder as recited in claim 16, wherein the cut line extends between a pair of opposing connectors of the sheet to detachably connect the removable portion to the sheet.
 19. A carton for holding a helium tank and having a balloon bouquet holder, comprising: a blank having a plurality of side walls defined by spaced scores and folded thereon to form a tubular container; a bottom for the container; a top for the container; and a balloon bouquet holder comprising a notch open at an upper edge of one of the side walls and a slot extending from an edge of the notch to a distal extent in the side wall, whereby the slot receives one or more ribbon of a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet.
 20. The carton as recited in claim 19, further comprising a removable portion of the blank defined by cut lines extending between opposing connections to the blank, the removable portion being removed to define the notch.
 21. The carton as recited in claim 19, wherein the top comprises a plurality of flaps each foldably attached on a score to an upper edge of the blank; and wherein the removable portion centers on the score and has mirroring opposing portions in the one of the side walls and in the flap foldably attached to the one of the side walls and the top flap including a slot extending from a cut line defining the removable portion therein to a distal extent, whereby the flap being folded inwardly and against an inner surface of the one of the side walls and the removable portion removed defines a notch at the upper edge of the one of the side walls and the slots in the one of the side walls and the inwardly folded flap align for receiving one or more ribbon of a plurality of ribboned inflated balloons for assembly of a balloon bouquet. 